By Lane Afable, News Editor
Earthquake victims receiving government assistance in crisis situations expressed gratitude, relief, and appreciation for the swift response of the government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as residents affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
Victims shared their experiences during interviews with the Presidential News Desk (PND).
Among them was Romeo Padilla Jr., 43, of Barangay Lagao, who recalled the intensity of the quake that jolted their household while he was at home with his family.
“Napakalakas po, nakakahilo po ang lakas,” Padilla said, adding that he immediately worried for his daughter’s safety as the tremor struck.
Despite the shock, Padilla said their home remained undamaged. He expressed gratitude for the government’s immediate assistance, particularly the payout of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), saying it helped ease the burden of rising expenses after several establishments in the city were forced to close.
“Una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat kaming lahat kay Presidente Marcos,” he said. “Malaking bagay po itong tulong sa amin, sa mga bilihin at panggastos sa amin.”
For 20-year-old service crew member Justine Respecia of Barangay Bula, the assistance provided a crucial lifeline for families affected by the disruption of work and local business operations following the quake.
“Malaking tulong siya, especially sa mga walang trabaho,” he said, noting that the financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the President helped them cope with lost income.
Respecia said their family initially received P5,000 in assistance and expressed hope that support would continue as recovery efforts progress.
Meanwhile, retired banker and stall owner Sonny Manuel, 66, said he was inside the public market when the earthquake struck. He and other vendors were later ordered to evacuate as safety precautions forced temporary closures of market areas.
“Malaking tulong po ito ni Presidente Marcos. Maraming salamat po, President Marcos,” Manuel said, noting that displacement from their stalls has forced them to incur additional expenses while finding alternative means to earn a living.
The interviews came as President Marcos visited General Santos City on Wednesday to inspect earthquake-affected areas and oversee the distribution of AICS assistance to affected residents.
The President first visited St. Elizabeth Hospital along Santiago Boulevard, followed by the ongoing AICS distribution at the General Santos City Oval Plaza, where he personally interacted with beneficiaries.
He also inspected the Romana C. Acharon Central Elementary School – PAGCOR Building in Purok Cahilsot Village, as well as the General Santos National High School – Grade 9 Mainstream Building in Calumpang, to assess structural conditions following the quake.
The administration has pledged continued support for affected communities as recovery and rehabilitation efforts move forward in the aftermath of the powerful tremor that struck Mindanao.
